The second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids, is Eastern Iowa’s hub for amazing experiences, cultural heritage, live performances and some of the kindest people around. We’ve got a million reasons why you should visit, but we’ll start with these.
Reason #1: The Museums!
Take a cultural crawl through Cedar Rapids and learn why we’re known as the Cultural Corridor! Discover everything our museum scene has to offer at the African American Museum of Iowa, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and Grant Wood’s Art Studio (where he created the world-famous American Gothic), Iowa Masonic Lodge and Museum, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and Veterans Memorial Building.
Reason #2: The Nature!
From prairies to bluffs, the Cedar Rapids area is full of beautiful views and amazing wild life. Check out the camping and fishing scenes, learn at Indian Creek Nature Center, Old MacDonald's Farm and Wickiup Hill Learning Center, walk through the arboretum at Morgan Creek, and hike or bike Mount Trashmore and Palisades-Kepler State Park.
Reason #3: The Festivals!
We take our festivals seriously in Cedar Rapids! Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall, the City of Five Seasons has a season for them all! Local favorites include the Freedom Festival, Sweet Corn Festival and Houby Days just to name a few!
Reason #4: The District!
No two neighborhoods define and enliven the Cedar Rapids experience quite like Czech Village & New Bohemia. Hugging both sides of the Cedar River, this eclectic urban oasis with rich historic charm is bustling with activity, and it's the perfect spot to stroll, sip and experience Cedar Rapids.
Reason #5: The Food!
The C.R. cuisine scene is rocking and continues to garner national attention with culinary options to satisfy any palate! From fine dining, vegetarian and Mexican cuisines, to the best brews, coffee spots and sweet kolaches, we’ve got everything!
Reason #6: The Sports!
Whether you want to play, practice or watch, C.R. has an endless array of sporting choices! Catch the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in action at ImOn Ice, the Cedar Rapids Kernels (minor league Twins affiliate) at Veterans Memorial Stadium, races at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, Five Seasons Ski Team performances at Ellis Park and tons more!
Reason #7: The Theatres!
Break a leg in Cedar Rapids’ thriving theatre scene! From one of the largest volunteer-run theatre organizations in the country, Theatre Cedar Rapids, to the beautifully restored historic Paramount Theatre, the quirky and unique Giving Tree Theatre, the alternative MirrorBox Theatre, the diverse CSPS Hall in New Bohemia and the rocking McGrath Amphitheatre, you are always sure to find a great show bringing down the house.
Reason #8: The Trails!
Whether you want to hike, bike or run, Cedar Rapids has an adventure for you! Hike up Mount Trashmore for one of the best views of Cedar Rapids. Enjoy more than 50 miles of trails down the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Explore downtown along the Cedar River Trail plus so many more!
Reason #9: The History!
Experience life at the turn of the century and explore the living history at Usher’s Ferry Historic Village. Learn about the unique history and community surrounding the National Trust History Site, Brucemore. Visit the History Center and Douglas Mansion to learn about C.R. History from the experts and visit the oldest purpose-built mosque in the country, the Mother Mosque of America.
Reason #10: The Excitement!
From concerts to speedways, crafts to astronomy, and farm animals to art, Cedar Rapids is filled to the brim with fun and exciting experiences. Check out our calendar and don’t miss a single heart-thumping event!
Reason #11: The Art!
The hometown of world-renowned artist Grant Wood, is alive with creative energy. Take an art walk and discover murals bringing vibrancy to each street. Get your creative juices flowing at Grant Wood’s Art Studio, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and Gilded Pear Gallery, or visit the inspiring outdoor pieces at Green Square Park, Hughes Park and Lowe Park, then create your own at Iowa Ceramics Studio, Potters’ Obsession and more!
Reason #12: The Shopping!
From Lindale Mall to The District: Czech Village and New Bohemia, and the plethora of unique locally-owned shops in the area, there are plenty of thrifting opportunities, purposeful purchasing and locations for the perfect souvenir!
Reason #13: The Hospitality!
Whether you’re looking for a full-service hotel with luxurious amenities or the perfect RV park or campground, there are a variety of accommodations in Cedar Rapids. With more than 3,000 hotel rooms located throughout the metro area, we’ve got the ideal spot to make you feel at home. Wherever you stay, you’ll find convenience, comfort, good prices, excellent service and warm Midwestern hospitality.
.jpg)
Reason #14: The Community!
Last, but certainly not least, nothing beats the people and the community of Cedar Rapids. Here, Welcome Is our Language! For more than 150 years, we celebrate our differences throughout the business, non-profit and hospitality communities. We are a welcoming community with a nationally-recognized culinary scene, world-class arts and culture, hip entertainment districts, and endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
With all this, and so much more, the question really is… Why not Cedar Rapids?!
